The Stakes of Power: 1845-1877

The Making of America

by Roy Franklin Nichols

An examination of the Civil War era which is concerned primarily with the political struggles of the 1850s

Genres: History, American History, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Don Heiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean Nichols' 1961 book "The Stakes of Power: 1845-1877" is the second volume of a six volume "The Making of America Series". Nichols' book highlights key events that formed America into a nation and allowed America to become a force for capitalism and international wealth. His writing is "tight" and his organization of topics shows how events and personalities formed a unique balance between states rights and national power. His treatment of the reconstruction period is especially meaningful in light of political movements of our current times (2014-2016). Volume 3 in the series is Ray Ginger's history of the populist and progressive period of American history. I can't wait to read this book!

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent concise political history from 1845-1870. It hits a lot of great overarching trends and explains reactions and counter actions well. Worth the read if your studying up on the civil war period.

[Paul Marin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like American history around the time of the Civil War, you will like this book. Very insightful on the mechanisms behind what drove the common man to war on each side.